Pyramid of Potential

Kathy Johnson, who has a blog, www.pyramidofpotential.com/blog , recently posted a blog on this book: Disconnected Kids: by Robert Melillo. It sounds interesting and I thought my readers might like to explore . Here is what she says:

Ms. Johnson states she hasn’t read the entire book cover to cover, but is impressed with what she has seen so far. Dr. Melillo uses three basic pathways to helping children with various neurological disorders, using his Brain Balance program. He focuses on nutrition, sensory-motor improvements, and hemispheric balance. Part 1 is about his theories, brain development, and general information about identifying the cause of “Functional Disconnection Syndrome” or FDS as he calls it.

Part 2 is where I was impressed. There are descriptions of extensive testing routines followed by exact directions as to how to work at home with your child to correct what was identified. There are exercises taken from vision therapy, listening therapy, as well as vestibular, tactile, and aerobic exercises. There are academic exercises for reading, comprehension, and math. Finally, there is a long chapter on nutrition, something I consider at the heart of brain health. Many suggestions are given, as well as foods that essential to a healthy brain diet. Not surprisingly, he suggests testing for sensitivities, altering the diet as necessary, and supplementing with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and digestive enzymes.

I was able to get this book from my local library, so you could “check it out” too if you want, without spending the $15.95. But it’s worth the investment if you want to see other programs that seem to be working well for those with learning disabilities.

Recently I came across a pyramid describing steps the creator, Kathy Johnson took to assist her daughter with her learning disabilities. She claims her child moved into being a successful student as well as enjoying both raised self esteem and and increased IQ.

I found this material, brief as it is, useful. I like the progression and the commitment to looking at different approaches as part of whole to reach results. It is my experience as a dyslexic/hyperlexic that diversity of healing approaches is essential. I just wish there were two more elements, emotional and spiritual on the pyramid.

“As an overview, the base of the Pyramid is Body and Mind Health. In order for the brain to be working at its best, the cells must be healthy. Just above that is Neuro-Development. Between pre-natal and age 3, we go through many stages that develop our brains and bodies, and open up pathways to our higher brains. Next is Sensory-Motor Development. If we cannot see, hear, or feel well, it is difficult to get proper input to our brains. We need to be able to use large and small motor abilities to properly express what we know. Our Cognitive Development of skills (like processing speed, memory, and reasoning) is dependent on the other parts of the Pyramid; neuro-development and the sensory-motor systems must be in proper working order to develop fully in the cognitive area.